Open shelves look wonderful in photographs and a little stressful in real life. The way to make them work is to treat them as a mix of display and storage, with plenty of breathing room.
Why this works
Shelves look best when objects are grouped by color or material and when the empty space is deliberate. Keeping daily-use items at the front also keeps the shelves from becoming a museum.
What you’ll need
Materials at a glance: Plates and bowls in a coordinated tone; Wooden risers or small stands; Ceramic jars for dry goods; Small plant or flower stems. Plan on about 45 min and a budget of under $50. The full materials list and numbered steps are in the project card below.
How to do it
Start with plates and bowls in a single tone as the base. Add a few wooden or ceramic pieces with different heights, include one plant or flower stem, and leave a few inches of empty space between groups.
Styling tips
- Stack bowls and plates, then use risers for variety in height.
- Repeat one material three times across the shelves.
- Wipe the shelves weekly so dust does not collect.
Open Shelving Styling Without the Clutter
How to style kitchen shelves so they look good and still hold the things you reach for daily.
Materials
- Plates and bowls in a coordinated tone
- Wooden risers or small stands
- Ceramic jars for dry goods
- Small plant or flower stems
Steps
- Take everything off the shelves and wipe them clean.
- Place the largest items, such as plates and platters, first.
- Add jars and bowls in groups of two or three.
- Tuck in a plant or stem for a touch of green.
- Leave breathing room between groups and edit again after a day.